It was over when ...
Rams kicker Jeff Wilkins missed his second field goal of the game at the end of the third quarter. The errant kick preserved the Buccaneers' 10-0 lead and Tampa Bay coasted to the 24-3 victory.
Game balls
In his fourth season, Tampa Bay rookie running back Earnest Graham scored the first touchdown of his career and then for good measure followed it up with a second. He finished with 75 rushing yards on just eight carries. Steven Jackson finally had his first 100-yard game for the Rams, finishing with 30 carries for 115 yards on the ground.
Key stat
After not throwing an interception in his first two games, Marc Bulger threw three, including one in the end zone.
Noteworthy
The Rams lost their fourth offensive lineman this year and third starter, left guard Mark Setterstrom, who injured his left leg on a field goal attempt. St. Louis also lost starting wide receiver Isaac Bruce to a first-half injury.
